2013 Volkswagen Routan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2013 Volkswagen Routan is a simplified trim lineup, with the SEL dropped. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with the same V6, six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive, and seven-seat layout.
About the 2013 Volkswagen Routan
First and only Routan generation (2009-2014), late-production year with no meaningful update before the lineup narrowed further for 2014.
Volkswagen positioned the Routan as a family minivan that mixed everyday kid-and-cargo usefulness with a slightly more controlled, VW-flavored driving feel than its Chrysler relatives. The core appeal was simple: room for seven, lots of storage space, fold-flat third-row versatility, and family-road-trip features like rear climate control, entertainment options, and power doors on upper trims. For most buyers, it was the VW-branded answer to hauling strollers, groceries, sports gear, and people in one vehicle.
The 2013 Routan is a seven-seat family minivan offered in straightforward S, comfort-focused SE, and luxury-focused SEL Premium trims. The S has second-row captain’s chairs and a fold-flat third row, the SE adds navigation and rear entertainment, and the SEL Premium brings leather seating, dual rear screens, and blind-spot monitoring.
What changed, by category
2013 Volkswagen Routan specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 283 hp | 283 hp | 283 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 144.4 cu-ft | 144.4 cu-ft | 144.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.8 in | 31.8 in | 31.8 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Power Sliding Doors | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Pedals | |||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2013 Volkswagen Routan compared with the 2012 model?
The 2013 Routan dropped the SEL trim and made navigation, a rearview camera, satellite radio, and a touchscreen standard on the SE. Its basic design and mechanical setup otherwise carried over.
Did the 2013 Volkswagen Routan get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2013 Routan kept the 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission from 2012, along with front-wheel drive.
Was the Volkswagen Routan SEL discontinued for 2013?
Yes. The SEL was dropped from the 2013 Routan lineup, while the S, SE, and SEL Premium remained.
What became standard on the 2013 Volkswagen Routan SE?
Navigation, a rearview camera, satellite radio, and a touchscreen became standard on the 2013 Routan SE after being optional for 2012.
Is the 2013 Volkswagen Routan a major update over the 2012 model?
No. The 2013 Routan is largely a carryover, with a smaller trim lineup and added standard technology on the SE rather than a redesign or mechanical update.